The redevelopment of the Crystal Palace Academy commenced over the summer, with the multi award-winning architecture and design practice, KSS, delivering the stunning designs.
Improvements to the Academy's playing and training accommodation include a new full-size covered pitch, a full-size 3G pitch, a full-size 'show' pitch with seating for up to 500 spectators, and six grass training pitches. Image KSS
The project involves a major renovation and extension to the existing building, providing first-class facilities that will locate more than 200 players on a single site for the first time.
Improvements to the playing and training accommodation include a new full-size covered pitch, a full-size 3G pitch, a full-size 'show' pitch with seating for up to 500 spectators and six grass training pitches.
Internally, a new gym and terrace alongside the creation of new classrooms for the young players, with office and meeting space for staff, will expand the education and welfare provision.
The project has enabled the club to secure Category One status, which is the highest Academy status possible, and is due for completion in the summer of 2021.
Crystal Palace Football Club Chairman, Steve Parish, said: "Our vision is simple, to make the Academy the best in the world. Category One status will improve the facilities and coaching, as well as the monitoring, education and mentoring, ensuring our young people will have the best chance of making a success as footballers and in life."
Selhurst Park redevelopment
The club is also working with KSS on the 13,500-capacity Main Stand development at Selhurst Park, which will increase the ground capacity from 26,000 to 34,000, and hopefully further enhance the intense atmosphere in this most traditional of English football venues.
The proposals include lengthening the pitch to UEFA standard, extensive new facilities for general admission, premium hospitality and disabled supporters to the latest modern standards, together with a new club retail store and museum.
The dramatic external design draws on the iconography embedded in the Eagles' club crest. A five-storey glazed central facade with barrel-vaulted arch and horizontal glazing articulation echoes the south transept section of the historic 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition Hall (after which the club was named), and is flanked by sculpted metal clad wings concealing vertical circulation and servicing elements
You can read the original article from Sports Management HERE
